By Ryan Sands
Plans to extend and renovate an Annalong community building used by a local Irish language group have been lodged. A planning application for the Marine Park facility – which also includes creating an enlarged playground area and the construction of a new dry-stone boundary wall – was submitted to council planners by Conradh na Gaeilge Boirche Íochtar (Lower Mourne Gaelic League) last Wednesday (4 February).
Drawings illustrate that the extension would house a larger nursery facility, whilst the building’s library would be moved to a larger room downstairs. A games room would replace the library upstairs, and some offices would be relocated.
A design and access statement says that ‘the proposed development seeks to extend and renovate an existing community building’ currently occupied by Conradh na Gaeilge Boirche Íochtar.
‘The society has been operating since 1981 and moved into the premises in Marine Park in 2013,’ it reads. ‘The society is a not-for-profit organisation and a registered charity, operating solely for the benefit of the community. The aim of the society is to reinvest all income directly into the delivery of charitable objectives, community programmes, and cultural services. The society does not distribute profits, and all activities are carried out to advance our aims and support the wellbeing, education, and cultural life of the local community.
‘The purpose of the proposed renovations and extensions of the building is to enhance their capacity to serve the public and expand the community benefit currently provided.’
In the full article read how the proposal will seek to serve the public.
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